First Time Army and Marines Lack Confirmed Leaders, Pentagon Issues Disruption Warning
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin expressed concern about the readiness and retention of troops as the Army’s chief, Gen. James McConville, stepped down without a Senate-confirmed replacement. This marks the first time in history that both the Army and the Marine Corps are operating without Senate-confirmed leaders. The confirmation process for the next Army chief and Marine commandant has been stalled by Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville, who is protesting the Pentagon’s policy on paying for travel when service members need to seek reproductive care out of state. Gen. Randy George has been nominated to become the next Army chief and Marine Gen. Eric Smith has been nominated as the next commandant, but they are serving in acting capacities until confirmation. The delay in confirmations means that the acting chiefs cannot carry out certain duties, such as moving into main residences or offices, issuing formal planning guidance, and accessing some budgeting powers. Army Secretary Christine Wormuth emphasized the need for confirmed leadership to ensure the readiness of the force and alleviate uncertainty for military families. Tuberville argues that it is up to Democrats to schedule votes on the nominations, while Democrats have expressed concerns about the time required for individual votes on each nomination. The confirmation process for senior military jobs is further complicated by the summer vacation period of Congress.
